The Sports Thread

Discussion in 'The Lounge' started by Gigi_GNR, Dec 9, 2009.

  1. Jonalexher

    Jonalexher New Member

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    Yeah, the Big Three did really good. I'm a Lakers fan haha, that game was depressing.
     
  2. Agreen

    Agreen Faceless Man Contributor

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    In good news, Canada crushed Russia 6-3 to open the World Junior Hockey Championships.

    But the Raiders game was disappointing. They could have won it, but taking the first quarter off, stupid mistakes, stupid penalties, and the usual standard of reffing in a Raiders game all added up to a loss. Pretty good summary of the season on the whole- talented enough for the playoffs, but not yet there mentally. The playoffs will come next season, assuming there is a next season. Still, being competitive against the Colts in a game Indianapolis had to win, when they'd just been eliminated before the game started, isn't exactly a disaster. Hopefully the Titans will lay down for the Colts next week like they did for the Chefs this week :p
     
  3. Gigi_GNR

    Gigi_GNR Guys, come on. WAFFLE-O. Contributor

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    The Packers gave me the best Christmas gift ever. 45-17, what an amazing game. :) What a comeback for Rodgers. And Flynn got to see a little time at the end, he must be having a great couple weeks. :D
     
  4. Agreen

    Agreen Faceless Man Contributor

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    I think the teams that have already clinched playoff spots are probably rooting against the Packers next week- they are playing very well.

    USA struggled in their first game at the World Juniors- they outplayed Finland, but needed overtime to secure the win. They have the easier group though, and Finland should be their hardest game until the next round.
     
  5. Dante Dases

    Dante Dases Contributor Contributor

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    Sod off, Clark. Utterly incompetent; we need Kay in the midfield to give us some bulk against a Southampton midfield five and you drop him to the back and play a lad who's been injured for 7 months. You play Carey at left-back when he can't defend, even though he's up against a dangerous winger. You play ALAN LEE when he hasn't scored all season, dropping 14-goal Jordan Rhodes to the bench.

    You're incompetent.
     
  6. Jonalexher

    Jonalexher New Member

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    Lakers vs Spurs in 2 hours! If you like basketball you can't miss this one.
     
  7. Dante Dases

    Dante Dases Contributor Contributor

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    England retain the Ashes!

    Some good sporting news, at last.
     
  8. Agreen

    Agreen Faceless Man Contributor

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    Canada crushed the Czech Republic 7-1 today- aside from yet another slow start, it was not a competitive game. The defining moment came in the third, when Zach Kassian took a questionable 5 minute major and ejection. The only goal scored during the ensuing Czech power-play was a Canadian short-handed goal, putting the game away at 4-1. Unfortuntely, Calvin de Haan of the Oshawa Generals was injured in the game. I am obviously hoping it won't be anything long term- both Team Canada and the Generals need him.

    USA plays Slovakia tonight starting at 8, but I'm watching the Leafs instead. I'll update the score once it's over. Edit: 6-1 after 2 for the US. The all North American final is looking good again this year.
     
  9. Shadow Dragon

    Shadow Dragon Contributor Contributor

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    But they haven't clinched a playoff spot quite yet. They need to beat a Bears, who may want to take the Pack out now rather than face them in the playoffs.
     
  10. Dante Dases

    Dante Dases Contributor Contributor

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    Clark makes five changes, still leaves Jordan Rhodes on the bench and drops Gary Roberts and Anthony Pilkington (you know, our top three goalscorers), plays 4-3-3, and then does nothing as we throw a 2-0 lead away to draw 2-2 to yet another side without a bean to spend and who have a squad of free transfers and loanees.

    Am I alone in thinking that he's just not up to the task of managing any professional football club, let alone one with expectations to blow the division out of the water? As it is we're 6th having played more than anyone else. That'll be 9th or 10th before January's out.

    And we're on telly on Monday. Oh joy, humiliation in front of millions. All because the manager hasn't a clue.
     
  11. Eunoia

    Eunoia Contributor Contributor

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    Yay. Not that I was really paying much attention to the Ashes, but it's good news!

    Woo, Man.Utd are top of the premier league and they won 2-1 against West Brom today.
     
  12. Chudz

    Chudz New Member

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    Thoughts/predictions for UFC 125?

    MAIN CARD

    Frankie Edgar (155) vs. Gray Maynard (155)
    This is kind of a toss-up for me. Yes, Maynard beat Edgar the last time; however, Edgar is a much improved fighter from their last match. But I could still see Maynard's power and wrestling taking a decision.

    Chris Leben (186) vs. Brian Stann (186)
    I'm looking forward to this fight. And I'm leaning toward Leben winning a grueling bout.

    Nate Diaz (170) vs. Dong Hyun Kim (171)
    I'm not familiar enough with Dong Hyun Kim, so I'm passing on this one.

    Takanori Gomi (155) vs. Clay Guida (156)
    This bout has so many possibilities. I'm happy that it's just happening. If the Gomi from his last fight shows up, he has a chance of knocking Clay out. If not, I think he's going to be overwhelmed by The Carpenter.

    Thiago Silva (206) vs. Brandon Vera (205)
    I think Silva is going to take this one. Why? I don't really know, just a hunch. Of course, that means Vera is going to TKO him in the first round based on how my past "hunches" have played out. :D
     
  13. Agreen

    Agreen Faceless Man Contributor

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    That's exactly my point- the teams already in are probably hoping Green Bay doesn't make it.

    As for tonight's card, I'm going to skip it- any fight with Gray Maynard in it has serious potential to be unwatchable.

    I think Edgar is going to beat him though, but it will be a slow, grinding process, similar to GSP/Koscheck except Maynard actually has rudimentary striking technique.

    As much as I don't like him, Leben is basically Stann but better at everything. He might still find a way to lose, but I doubt it.

    I think Kim is going to be able to control Nate and take a decision.

    Silva/Vera is hard to pick just because they haven't fought in so long, and both were thoroughly beaten in their last fights. I think Silva is going to take this one, if only through aggression- ever since the Sylvia fight, Vera has been a different, much worse fighter. In terms of talent he should be able to beat Silva, but given that it's been so long since he's shown any glimpse of that ability, I don't see the Jon Jones beatdown being the catalyst that brings it back out.

    Edit: Guida/Gomi is a hard fight to call, but I can see Guida getting sloppy, and Gomi catching him. So I'll pick Gomi by TKO- might be the only finish on the main card.
     
  14. Agent Vatani

    Agent Vatani Active Member

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    Anyone one into gaming or horse racing?
     
  15. hiddennovelist

    hiddennovelist Contributor Contributor

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    I didn't get to see any of the fights, so I'll have to look up the results after work today. You're probably right about that last pick, though. ;)
     
  16. Dante Dases

    Dante Dases Contributor Contributor

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    I'd like to apologise to Lee Clark for blaming the throwing away of yesterday's 2-0 lead on him. The Carlisle equaliser shouldn't have stood, and it doesn't matter how much you've prepared for set-pieces when the opposition player is allowed to use both hands and push his marker out of the way in a foul so clear only an on-loan Manchester United player would be able to get away with it. Because rules don't apply to anyone with a deal with the red half of Manchester (do they, Gary Neville?).

    I'd also like to continue this rant about Manchester United by saying Alex Ferguson's actions this week were unprofessional in the extreme following his son Darren's sacking at Preston. What did Ferguson senior do? Recall two players on loan at Preston. Because Preston wouldn't toe the line with regards to not sacking his son, despite being rock bottom of the Championship.

    I'm in an angry mood. You may be able to tell.
     
  17. Agent Vatani

    Agent Vatani Active Member

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    I'm hoping for Silva on this one. :)
     
  18. Speedy

    Speedy Contributor Contributor

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    Darn it's good watching the Steelers doing some good.
     
  19. Agreen

    Agreen Faceless Man Contributor

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    So I guess after last night, both Edgar and Maynard need to go back to the drawing board?

    The Raiders have made history: won all of their games in the division, and still missed the playoffs. If only they didn't squander wins early in the season- a valuable lesson for next year. 8-8 is a huge improvement though, I don't think this team needs a tremendous amount of new talent, just some more experience. They'll take the division next season, assumng there is a next season.

    In World Junior news, Canada is actually in danger of elimination due to shoddy goaltending. It's funny, because goaltending depth used to be the pride of Canadian hockey, and now it is our biggest liability.
     
  20. Speedy

    Speedy Contributor Contributor

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    This UFC 125 is really becoming quiet a huge thing now isn't it?. I've heard about it for a little bit, but now it seems everywhere. Whats the 125 stand for?

    Also i think some of the UFC members are coming down under. I saw a promo for it (with most the ones which have been mentioned). Looks interesting.
     
  21. Agreen

    Agreen Faceless Man Contributor

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    125 is the event number- all of the major pay-per-view events (the ones featuring either title fights, top contenders, or the promotion's biggest names) are numbered. 125 was last night's card. You're probably going to be hearing a lot about 127, which is going to be held in Sydney in late February. Unfortunately it has Michael Bisping, but it also has Australian George Sotiropoulos, one of the best and most entertaining fighters in the sport. The main event is an interesting fight too- Jon Fitch beats everyone in his weight class except GSP, and Penn is one of the biggest names in the sport.

    edit: Canada is up 3-1 in the third, they are probably safe. While I don't doubt our goalie's ability to surrender two quick goals, I'm not sure that Switzerland even has two shots this period!
     
  22. Speedy

    Speedy Contributor Contributor

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    Awesome. My home town pretty much. Would check it out, but I'm assuming it sold out ages ago.

    After watching the promo, I'm loving, Frankie Edgar. I could understand a lot of people would probably hate his guts, but looks like after getting a lucky win, the mans improved and wants to be decent (recognised). ;)

    Edit - Watching the Packers V Bears game.

    GiGi won't be happy at the moment. Wonder who will break first. Got my money on the Packers if they can hold a catch.

    Looks mighty cold in the states. i say this as my sunburn is kicking in. ;)
     
  23. Dante Dases

    Dante Dases Contributor Contributor

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    Town are on Sky Sports 1 today, 12.15ko. Anyone want to see an epic Yorkshire derby?

    Anyway, I won't be watching on the telly because I'll be getting behind them in person. Big crowd expected today, around 19-20,000. Hope Town are up for the battle, especially in the midfield. Their midfielders will fight for every ball, so I hope Kilbane and whoever plays alongside him are prepared to put their foot in.
     
  24. Agent Vatani

    Agent Vatani Active Member

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    Football right?

    I'm thinking Packers...

    Rugby, anyone? (I think I spelt it right)
     
  25. Dante Dases

    Dante Dases Contributor Contributor

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    Huddersfield Town 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday.

    Town dominated the first half and should have been a goal up by the time Anthony Pilkington struck with a stunning 25-yard curler. In the very first minute Sheffield Wednesday should have conceded a penalty when Clinton Morrison (you'll hear more from him) used his arm to control a bouncing ball, but the referee, despite being only a couple of yards away and with a clear view inexplicably didn't award the penalty.

    Other incidents of note in the first half included Jemal Johnson's stamp on Anthony Pilkington after Pilks had been too strong for him and won a free kick. Johnson's stamp was indicative of a petty streak in Wednesday's players, and had the referee had any level of ability would have seen the over-hyped winger receiving his marching orders for violent conduct. But, for the second time in 3 home games, the visiting player escaped a card for an assault on a man in blue and white stripes.

    The only card of the half came when home debutant Kevin Kilbane performed an outstanding crunching challenge on Darren Purse. The ref deemed it a lunge (I can see why, but disagree with the ref) and booked him. Darren Purse got up and got on with it. Clinton Morrison came over asking for a red card.

    Into the second half, then, and the Neil Mellor show began! Mellor is hyped up as a big, powerful striker. That's 'big' as in being a fat bastard and 'powerful' in the sense that he falls over whenever he thinks the ref's watching. Every time he went up for a ball he would fall over after less than minimal (ie, no) contact with either Town central defender. On occasion he'd jump into the man and then fall over. Every time he did this, the ref would give a free kick, and Clinton Morrison would wander over searching for a card for a Town player.

    Antony Kay finally did to Neil Mellor what the greater part of the 17,024 in attendance wanted to do and shoved him into an advertising hoarding. So Clinton Morrison wandered over, etc, etc.

    Morrison did actually have the ball in the net for Wednesday, but was deemed to be offside. Having seen it again on the recording of the Sky coverage of the game, he was two clear yards off, but that didn't stop him running over to the linesman and having a whinge. Look, Clinton, if you're the only player in the penalty area while everyone else is somewhere along the edge, that's a hint as to whether you're onside or not.
     

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